With major development projects on the horizon and more people coming to live and work in Downtown Jacksonville, it has become a great place for entrepreneurs and small businesses to put down roots. There are so many businesses that are unique to DTJax, some that you may have heard of as well as a few hidden gems. “Found in DTJax” is your guide the shops, restaurants and venues that you can find ONLY in Downtown Jacksonville.
October edition: Sweet Pete’s Candy
Sweet Pete’s Candy opened in Downtown Jacksonville in 2010 in the historic Seminole Club, a building that dates back to 1903. The notable location, which hosted a number of well-known visitors such as Presidents Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy, sat vacant for ten years until Sweet Pete’s and Lemonis renovated the property. This new confectionary emporium is a vast 23,000 sq. ft., making it one of the largest candy shops in the United States.
Today, Sweet Pete’s manufactures a line of handcrafted quality chocolates and sells over a thousand different types of candies. The new location boasts a fully functioning factory with an interactive gallery, two large retail areas, a full restaurant and bar, rooftop patio and dessert bar. Sweet Pete’s also features an event center that offers space for children’s field trips, catered events and parties. Peter also finds joy in sharing his expertise with others by teaching the art of candy making. The fun-filled educational environment includes Sweet Pete’s Sweet Science Classes, hands-on interactive candy making sessions and birthday parties. Sweet Pete’s is run by a group of naturally fun people who are committed to creating the Sweetest Destination on Earth.
Sweet Pete’s is more than just your average candy shop, they host events, classes and more. Here are a few notable things to check out:
Classes
Ever wanted to know how your favorite candy is made? Embrace your inner Willy Wonka and attend a candy making class
at Sweet Pete’s! Learn how to make chocolate bars, candy canes, taffy, lollipops and more. Classes are a great idea for a date or an affordable family outing. Check out all of the classes and register here.
Birthday Parties
A Sweet Pete’s birthday party is every kid’s dream! Treat your special birthday boy or girl to a magical party in a real life Candy Land. Standard parties include:
- Candy making Experience: Kids go home with the candy they made!
- Tour of facility including our Candy Kitchen
- Ice Cream for each participating child
- Sweet Pete’s To Go bags for the kids’ candy to go in
- Lemonade and water for the children
- Downloadable invitations to send out
- Other goodies and games can be added on while finalizing party
- Private, decorated room, including set up and clean up of room
- All plates, cups and decorations are Sweet Pete’s property. Any cups or plates that are taken will be charged to guest.
There are also plenty of add-ons and upgrades available for purchase! To see all of the options and pricing details, visit their birthday parties page.
The Candy Apple Café and Cocktails
Candy Apple Cafe’s delicious drink and food menu will make you feel like a kid in the candy shop. Located inside Sweet Pete’s, the Candy Apple Cafe is exactly what you’d expect to find at a restaurant inside a candy shop. Their menu includes treats like Bourbon Pecan Waffles, Mayport Shrimp Crepes, Country Fried chicken and more. You can find drinks like Sweet Pete’s Watermelon Sour and Pop Rockadopolis on their mouth-watering drink menu. Check out the menu and happy hour info here.